Instructions

Before you begin, call your local animal shelter to make sure they can use pet toys.

CAT TOYS

Stuff the sock’s toe with 1 tablespoon of catnip. Stuff the foot of sock with cotton balls or craft stuffing. Squeeze fabric glue on the inside of the sock’s ribbing to glue sock closed, or knot the top of the sock. Decorate with fabric markers.

DOG TOYS

Take 3 pieces of fleece, knot at one end, braid, and knot at the other end. See more specific instructions here.

When you deliver the toys, see if you can play with the animals or get a tour.

Kind News A fun interactive website from the Humane Society of the United States about how kids can get involved in animals’ rights issues.

Take it further

When you deliver the toys, ask about other ways you can help at the shelter.

Gather a group of friends to make more toys, and deliver them together.

Throw an animal-themed birthday party. Make animal toys and dog biscuits. Other ideas: hang a puppy or kitten piñata, make dog houses from graham crackers, make dog and cat ear headbands, and have guests bring donations for your local animal shelter in lieu of gifts.